Policies

Paul John McMahon T/A Chemqual and Sulcor Advisory Services, makes available training and assessment services to all clients (and potential clients) regardless of race, gender, age, marital status, physical or intellectual impairment, or sexual orientation. The RTO complies with relevant anti-discrimination legislation and treats every participant fairly and without discrimination in a safe training environment .

Some courses may require evidence of previous study or past experience. For cattle related units, participants are expected to have experience in stock movement , specifically in yard mustering and race/crush use. If you feel you may not have this experience notify before registration so that the instructor can assist. The instructor will deem a participant unsuitable if they cannot safely work within the yards.

At the time of enrolment each participant will be provided with an opportunity to provide evidence for Recognition of Prior Learning in accordance with requirements of the relevant training package.

Every participant is required to complete an enrolment form for each course that they intend to undertake prior to any study. Also, where participants have special needs it is requested that they make this known as early as possible.

The management and staff are responsible for ensuring access and equity for all participants in accordance with company Code of Practice. This ensures all participants are treated equally and fairly and have equal access to participation in training. Selection of participants into courses is based on participants meeting course pre-requisites and entry requirements, course fee payment and on a first-in first-served basis.

All course fees are payable in advance unless other arrangements have been made. Bookings are not confirmed until payments or authorised purchase orders are received.

Legislative Requirements

All Units of Competency offered by this RTO have varying degrees of legislative requirements depending on the state or territory. To determine if they apply to you or your workplace information is available by calling our office on 02 67695777 or email enquiries@chemqual.com.au

Further information is available from your state/ territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries office, Veterinary Surgeons Board or details of which are available online or by contacting our office.

Learning Pathways

The Units of Competency offered by Paul John McMahon 70207, once completed, form part of AHC 10- Certificates I, II, III and IV in Agriculture. For clarification of the learning pathways in each unit please contact us or visit www.training.gov.au. In the case of AHCLSK408A- Pregnancy Test Animals this competency is identified as meeting Export Standard for cattle in the Northern Territory. Visit http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/export-trade/livestock-export-standards for further information or contact us.

Schedule of Fees- Chemqual

The fee structure for training is as follows for AQF 3 Units of Competency ( 4 in total):

Prices for interstate courses are on application, and are negotiable. Courses held in conjunction with Charles Darwin University are done so under a Third Party Delivery agreement, with participant processing and certification controlled by CDU.

The cost for the replacement of a lost/ damaged Statement of Attainment is $20. To apply for a replacement please contact the office on 02 67695777 or email enquiries@chemqual.com.au. In addition to a student number being provided by the applicant, 2 certified true copies of identification must be also be submitted.

Refunds

This RTO uses the NSW Fair Trading guidelines for selling goods and services. Failure at time of assessment does not constitute grounds for refund or credit for goods/services. For further information please visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. In an effort to accommodate unforeseen circumstances on the part of participants, credit for future services will be given in lieu of a refund. The following outlines refund policy:

A full refund of payments received will be made when a course is cancelled by the client within fourteen working days of the course commencement date. In the event that pre payment of travelling expenses has occurred at the time of cancellation an adjustment will be made to the refund to recoup non refundable payments. Details of these non refundable payments will be made available to the client on request.

In the event that a course is unable to proceed once the trainer has arrived at the training site owing to unsuitable weather conditions or other factors beyond the control of the training provider all payments will be refunded except travelling and accommodation expenses incurred up to and including that time.

In the event that the trainer is unable to conduct the training as a result of factors beyond the control of the client a full refund will be made unless a mutually suitable date cannot be agreed upon to reschedule the planned training.

A 5% administration fee may be charged at the discretion of the training provider to all courses cancelled by the client other than when the cancellation is the result of factors beyond the control of the client.

Payment Policy

All group training programs will be invoiced and paid prior to commencement of training. This payment should be received within 14 days of course commencement date.

Other payment arrangements may be acceptable. These arrangements must be approved by the CEO.

Individual course registrations must include payment and be received within 14 days of course commencement.

Course Changes

Course dates, times, course content and fees are occasionally subject to change. Should the need for such changes occur, we make every effort to inform course participants prior to the commencement of training. Where insufficient course numbers are apparent, participants will be given at least 5 days notice of an intended alteration to planned training.

Where nationally recognised programs are changed in line with changes to competency standards, a transition phase is provided to allow existing participants to complete their qualifications. Qualified staff are available to discuss your options at a time suitable for you.

Course Materials

Each participant will receive a set of course materials, including handouts and reference materials.

Flexible Delivery

Flexible delivery means that a range of learning strategies is available in a variety of learning environments and/or scheduling. Training is adjusted to suit individual learning styles, interests and training needs, with the aim of enhancing accessibility to training.

Assessment

In accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework, assessment processes are valid, reliable, flexible and fair. Judgements to determine competence will be made by examining evidence gathered from a range of sources, using a variety of assessment methods. Clear information about the assessment process and evidence requirements will be provided and participants will be encouraged to assist collecting evidence of their own competence. Assessment processes will provide for the recognition of competence no matter how, where or when it has been acquired.

A qualified Trainer/Assessor is a person who is recognised as meeting the national standards for assessment and delivery. A Trainer/Assessor is able to conduct assessment only in areas of work in which they have relevant vocational competencies. They must also be competent in the training and assessment competencies to the national standards required.

Assessment Process

The assessment process for each unit of competency will combine the skills and knowledge being assessed in practical applications. It is the responsibility of the Trainer/Assessor to ensure that the Participant is given every opportunity to demonstrate that they can meet the required performance standards. The assessment process your Trainer/Assessor uses must conform to the following principles:

Validity

Valid assessment means that it actually assesses the competency it is meant to assess. A valid assessment of a particular unit will ensure that:

Evidence is collected from activities and tasks that clearly relate to the Unit of Competency

Evidence demonstrates that the performance criteria have been met

Evidence is sufficient.

Reliability

Reliable assessment produces the same judgment about a person’s competency when the assessment is completed by another assessor or by the same assessor or another occasion:

Assessment practices should be monitored and reviewed to ensure that there is consistency in the interpretation of the evidence

Assessors must be competent in the National Workplace Assessor Competency Standards.

Fairness

Assessment is fair if it does not disadvantage any applicant in relation to another:

Assessment practices and methods must be equitable to all groups of applicants

Assessment processes and criteria for determining performance must be made clear to all applicants seeking assessment

Applicants must be provided with opportunity to challenge the assessment.

The way the competency was developed or acquired through a formal training course or through on-the-job experience

Any disability that the applicant might have, e.g. hearing impairment or reading difficulties

The equipment used to demonstrate competence, e.g. the familiarity of the equipment to the Participant

Different periods over which the assessment might be done; eg. the need to apply the entire assessment at one time or parts of the assessment as a person learns. This would most likely result in the Participant being assessed in individual learning outcomes or the elements that make up the competency.

Strategies for Continuous Improvement

Ways we can improve our RTO will be reviewed at each internal audit by requesting comments from trainers and course evaluation feedback forms. Reference to the continuous improvement register will also be used to ensure attention is given to improvement areas. Modifications may be needed to course content depending on changes in legislation and best practice. All trainers will be advised of relevant technical changes by the Head Trainer (currently the CEO) where appropriate. Continuation and validity of assessment will be maintained through peer review and audit by the head trainer.

Consultation with Industry

The standards and requirements of the training package are met through continual industry consultation. This includes participant and employer questionnaires, email and phone discussions with individuals and industry groups such as pastoral companies/ associations, educational institutions and government departments. Validation of current policy and procedure will be continually monitored to ensure adherence to industry needs and requirements.

An Industry Consultation/Feedback Logbook has been developed to monitor how we perform and respond to industry changes. All feedback is to be entered to allow for modification when necessary and reviewed in accordance with internal audit protocols.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Competencies achieved and detailed in Statements of Attainments or qualifications issued by other Registered Training Organisations will be recognised by this RTO. Documented evidence of prior learning must be accompanied with Certified copies of these documents.

Recognition of Prior Learning is an evidentiary process that matches the outcomes participants have achieved through unrecognised learning and/or life/work experience against the outcomes of the specific competencies. Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on a participant’s achievement of the performance requirements set out in a competency standard.

The Trainer/Assessor is responsible for determining the extent of RPL and applying the process. Participants should apply directly for RPL, and discuss with the Trainer/Assessor the best or most appropriate means of demonstrating competence. For further details Call 02 67695777 or email enquiries@chemqual.com.au .

Access to Student Records

Participants will have timely access to their records. This can be achieved by contacting our office on 02 67 695777, or email enquiries@chemqual.com.au. RTO’s or training providers looking to confirm previous training must have the student ID number from the Statement of Attainment previously issued. For applications without this number 2 certified true copies of identification must be submitted.

Student records will be kept in accordance to ASQA General Direction Retention requirements. Student assessment items will be securely retained for 6 months from the date judgement of competence was made. Student information including Statements of Attainment will be kept on record for 30 years in digital form.

Confidentiality Policy

Participants can be assured that personal information provided to Chemqual will be given maximum protection and made available only to authorised users such as government agencies to meet government reporting requirements, for research, audit, moderation and evaluation purposes.

Copyright

The law requires copyright loyalty payments for the reproduction of a considerable amount of publishable material, notably books.

For study and research purposes, participants are allowed to copy 10% or one chapter of a book or one article per issue of a journal. More extensive reproduction may be possible and permission must be sought.

Complaints

Participants who are not satisfied with the quality of training provided are to lodge their complaint directly with the trainer/assessor in the first instance.

The trainer/assessor will meet with the participant so that the matter in dispute can be discussed and a resolution sought.

The trainer/assessor will record the outcome of the meeting in writing and submit to the RTO Head Trainer.

Should the matter remain unresolved the CEO will consider the complaint and recommend a resolution. The complainant will be informed in writing of the recommended resolution.

Participants who feel they are unable to resolve a complaint should contact ASQA on 1300 701 801 or go to the complaints section of their website www.asqa.gov.au

Appeals

Participants have the right of appeal to the CEO against decisions of the RTO. If you wish to lodge an appeal, please contact us on 02 69695777 or enquiries@chemqual.com.au. Participants must lodge any appeals against their assessment decision within 14 days of results being advised.

Discrimination and Harassment

Our aim is to provide an environment free from discrimination and harassment for both participants and staff. Discrimination and harassment come in many forms and may relate to gender, age, race, religion, sexual preference or disability. Contact your trainer or assessor who can provide confidential support and information about options to deal with such situations.

Discipline/Participant Conduct

All participants undertaking a training course with this RTO are expected to make the following commitment to:

Training & Assessment

Complete all documents associated with the delivery of the course

Complete all training and assessment within any prescribed time frames.

Attendance

Attend all scheduled training sessions unless granted leave.

The course coordinator must be informed if you are unable to attend any of the training sessions. In the case of illness, a doctor’s certificate is required.

Arrive punctually and be prepared for each training session.

Participation

Participate in and positively contribute to all training sessions

Treat trainers and fellow participants with respect and in a non-discriminatory way.

Learning Environment

Maintain the learning environment so that it is clean, tidy and safe

Care for all resources

Gross misconduct may result in suspensions or expulsion from training and assessment courses.

Accidents and First Aid

Should an accident occur, it is to be reported immediately to your Trainer/Assessor and the details will be recorded on an Incident Form and signed by both the Trainer/Assessor and the participant. As most training will be undertaken on hired property, the Incident Form will remain the responsibility of the venue operator. Distance and Online participants are to provide themselves with a safe learning environment.

Workplace Health & Safety

The Workplace Health & Safety Act 2012 applies to all staff and participants. All employees, including participants, have the primary responsibility to ensure that they work safely, without risk of injury to themselves, fellow workers, participants and the public.

SUPPORT REFERENCE GUIDE

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

All units of competency under our scope are developed structured to be easily deliverable to most English speaking persons, with conversational English being the minimum requirement. Participants are asked to complete an enrolment form and should advise the course coordinator if they have language, literacy or numeracy difficulties. We will assist those who may find it difficult to achieve the outcomes of the course in the scheduled timeframe and where possible will identify potential support needs. The Trainer/Assessor will discuss how best we can provide support to the participant to ensure success with reasonable adjustment i.e. assessment may involve verbal questions or practical demonstration rather than using a written test.

Learning Support

Should a participant or potential participant be identified with learning support requirements which are considered a barrier to the participant achieving the competency standards, and customised delivery or assessment strategies will not address the issue, participants will be referred to support organisations (public or private) to address the issue. Assistance to the participant, and liaison with the support organisation will be provided, where applicable, to identify the specific support requirements.

Disability Support

Should a participant or potential participant identify himself or herself with a disability, trainers will liaise with the participant and relevant disability support agencies/workers to address the delivery and assessment requirements of the participant through customisation of the program. If however, the disability support provider is unable to accommodate the needs of the participant, we will endeavour to identify another Registered Training Organisation delivering the same competencies who are able to accommodate the needs of the participant.